Factbox - Sanctions on Iran’s oil sector

REUTERS - World powers are trying to reach a framework deal with Iran that would restrict the most sensitive aspects of Tehran’s atomic programme in return for an easing of international sanctions Sanctions have halved Iran's oil exports to just over 1 million barrels per day since 2012 and hammered its economy. A complex range of restrictions has been imposed on Iran over several decades, starting with initial measures in 1979 after Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran. The major oil-related sanctions have been imposed by the United States and European Union to pile pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme. The U.S. Congress and the executive branch of the EU have both targeted Iran's oil sector with layers of sanctions that could take time to fully remove even after any deal is struck. Here is a brief summary of the key measures. U.S. SANCTIONS Americans are prohibited from trading directly or indirectly with Iran’s oil sector, the government of Iran and individuals connected to the oil sector or in any financing of it. U.S. companies are also prevented from investing in Iran’s oil and gas industries or trading with them. U.S. sanctions can also target financial institutions that engage in transactions with state owned National Iranian Oil Company and its subsidiary Naftiran Intertrade Company. Companies or individuals who are found to breach the sanctions could face significant fines, asset freezes, the risk of being cut off from the U.S. dollar banking system or potentially even be blacklisted themselves. EU SANCTIONS The EU has also imposed explicit sanctions prohibiting trade with Iran’s oil sector. This includes any business with the whole of the country’s energy sector or government agencies related to it. EU sanctions also include the prohibition on European firms and individuals from the import, purchase or transport of Iranian gas, assistance in the construction of oil tankers as well as supplying vessels used to transport or store oil or petrochemical products. SHIPPING AND INSURANCE Iran’s oil sector also faces massive hurdles to the transportation of oil and also insuring cargoes. EU and U.S. sanctions have blacklisted Iran’s shipping sector, including its top tanker owner NITC, meaning U.S. and European companies are prohibited with trading with it. NITC is Iran’s main transporter of oil. The country’s top port operator Tidewater Middle East Co is also sanctioned, which has complicated shipments from export terminals. Iran is also prohibited from securing services from international ship classification firms, which verify safety and environmental standards for vessels and key to insurance and port access for vessels. JOINT PLAN OF ACTION Under an initial agreement with Iran reached in November 2013, known as the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA), and rolled over subsequently until June 30, 2015, both the U.S. and EU relaxed some measures on Iran, which allowed the Islamic Republic to have access to some of its frozen oil revenues abroad and also allowed a modest easing of oil sales to top importers including China and India. While the JPOA had provided Iran with modest sanctions relief, including a temporary easing on insurance cover for permitted trades, ship insurers remain wary of extending cover on those trades due to concerns they may face sanctions exposure if any potential claims are made and extend after the current expiry of temporary measures on June 30, 2015. (Writing by Jonathan Saul, additional reporting by Timothy Gardner in Washington, editing by William Hardy)